Make a story map

How you can help at home: In this activity your child sequences the beginning, middle and end of a story.

By Miriam Myers
, GreatSchools Staff

Have your child draw a story map (a diagram that shows the events of a story in order of occurrence) to help him sequence the beginning, middle and end of a story. Sequencing is the ability to see the order of events, which helps reading comprehension.

What you'll need:

A book to read aloud

Drawing paper

Art materials such as crayons, markers and paints

Here's How To Do It

Choose a book to read aloud with your child. Before reading tell your child to think about the events of the story. After reading discuss with your child what happens in the beginning, middle and end of the story. You can revisit the story with your child to gather information; try looking at the pictures or rereading passages. On paper have your child draw or paint the three events in order with an arrow between each drawing to represent the sequence of events. This is often called a "story map" in elementary classrooms. Your child can also write or dictate to you captions under each drawing or painting.